Juicy Grilled Mango Chicken Recipe for Summer Feasts
Sizzling summer nights call for a burst of tropical mango chicken flavor that dances on the grill with vibrant, zesty charm.
This grilled mango chicken recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure that bridges fresh ingredients and bold taste sensations.
Tender chicken marinated in a luscious blend of ripe mangoes and spices creates an irresistible main dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky notes that tantalize the palate with Caribbean-inspired flair.
The marinade infuses the meat with incredible depth, ensuring every piece is succulent and packed with incredible flavor.
Juicy mango chunks caramelize beautifully on the grill, adding a golden touch that makes this dish both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 29 minutes
Calories: 335 kcal
Servings: 5
What You’ll Need for Grilled Mango Chicken
For Marinade:
Soy Sauce: Adds deep, salty umami flavor that tenderizes and seasons the chicken.
Garlic Cloves: Provides a robust, aromatic base that infuses the meat with bold, earthy notes.
Fresh Ginger: Brings a zesty, warm spiciness that cuts through richness and adds complexity.
For Protein:
Chicken Thighs: Select boneless and skinless cuts for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption, preferring organic or free-range for better texture and taste.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Mangos: Choose ripe, fragrant fruits with slight give when pressed, ensuring sweet, juicy notes that caramelize beautifully during grilling.
Cilantro: Pick bright green, crisp leaves with no wilting to add fresh, herbaceous brightness as a final garnish.
Water: Helps adjust marinade consistency and prevents over-concentration of flavors.
Grilling Tools for Mango Chicken Done Right
Blender or Food Processor: Essential for creating a smooth, flavorful marinade by blending mangos and other ingredients.
Plastic Bag or Large Baking Dish: Perfect for marinating chicken and keeping it sealed while absorbing delicious flavors.
Tongs: Crucial for safely handling and flipping chicken on the hot grill without puncturing the meat.
Grill: Key tool for achieving those mouthwatering char marks and cooking chicken to perfection.
Serving Platter: Ideal for presenting your grilled mango chicken with style and ease.
Brush: Handy for generously coating the chicken with the reserved sauce for extra flavor.
How to Make Grilled Mango Chicken the Way
Flavor Preparation Marinating the chicken in a vibrant mango mixture creates an explosion of tropical tastes that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.
Marinade Magic Blend ripe mangos with fragrant garlic, zesty ginger, and savory soy sauce until the mixture transforms into a smooth, golden elixir that promises incredible flavor depth.
Marination Time Submerge the chicken completely in this luscious sauce, allowing it to rest in the refrigerator for 2-8 hours while the flavors intertwine and develop complex notes.
Grill Setup Heat your outdoor grill to a sizzling temperature, ensuring those perfect golden-brown char marks will caress the chicken's surface.
Grilling Technique Carefully place each chicken piece onto the hot grates, letting the flames kiss the meat and create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
Finishing Touches Remove the chicken when it's perfectly cooked, brushing with the reserved mango sauce and sprinkling fresh cilantro for a final burst of freshness and color.
Mango Chicken Variations and Tropical Tips
Toss in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that dances on your taste buds.
Replace fresh mangos with canned or frozen varieties when seasonal fresh fruit isn't available, maintaining the recipe's tropical essence.
Indoor grill pan or oven broiling work perfectly if outdoor grilling isn't an option – just ensure internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F.
Experiment with fresh herbs like mint or basil instead of cilantro to create unique flavor profiles that complement the sweet mango marinade.
Transform remaining grilled mango chicken into tacos, salads, or sandwich fillings for delicious next-day meals that keep your taste buds excited.
Serve Up Grilled Mango Chicken with Flavor
Tropical Paradise Plating: Serve the grilled mango chicken on a large wooden board garnished with fresh mango slices and lime wedges for a vibrant, island-inspired presentation that screams summer flavor.
Sides that Sizzle: Pair this juicy chicken with coconut rice, grilled pineapple chunks, or a crisp green salad with a light citrus vinaigrette to complement the sweet and tangy marinade perfectly.
Dinner Party Delight: Create an impressive meal by slicing the chicken and arranging it over a bed of mixed greens, topped with additional mango chunks and a drizzle of the reserved sauce for an elegant and crowd-pleasing dish.
Family-Style Feast: Chop the grilled chicken and serve in warm tortillas with fresh salsa, avocado, and extra cilantro for a fun, interactive meal that lets everyone build their own delicious wraps.
Store and Reheat Grilled Mango Chicken
Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover chicken into airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Chilled chicken works perfectly for quick lunch salads or quick protein additions.
Quick Meal Prep Hack: Slice grilled chicken into strips before storing, making future meal assembly super fast and convenient for busy weekdays.
Freezing Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken maintains excellent quality for up to 2 months, offering convenient future meal options.
Reheating Magic Trick: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in microwave with a small splash of water or reserved marinade to prevent drying, ensuring juicy texture and maintaining original flavor profile.
Here’s a zesty grilled mango chicken recipe combining sweet tropical flavors with tender protein. Island-inspired marinades infuse succulence, while fresh herbs and charred edges create complex deliciousness you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
2 lb (907 g) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
2 mangos
½ cup (120 ml) soy sauce
3 garlic cloves
2 tbsps (30 ml) water (or more as needed)
½ teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Marinade Preparation: Blend ripe mangos, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and water in a food processor until achieving a smooth, vibrant mixture.
Marinade Separation: Set aside 60 milliliters of marinade for glazing, refrigerating the reserved portion.
Chicken Marination: Transfer chicken pieces to a resealable bag or container, ensuring single-layer coverage. Pour marinade over chicken, massaging to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for 2-8 hours, allowing flavors to infuse deeply.
Temperature Equalization: Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling to reach room temperature.
Grill Preparation: Heat outdoor or gas grill to 204 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit). Clean and lightly oil grates to prevent sticking.
Grilling Process: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, rotating to create crosshatch marks. Ensure internal temperature reaches 74 degrees Celsius (165 degrees Fahrenheit).
Finishing Touch: Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter. Brush generously with reserved marinade for an extra layer of tropical glaze. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro leaves before serving.
Notes
Marinate Wisely: Avoid exceeding 8 hours of marinating to prevent the acid from breaking down chicken proteins and turning meat mushy.
Temperature Matters: Let chicken rest at room temperature 30 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent tough, dry meat.
Clean Grill Technique: Thoroughly clean and oil grill grates to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful professional-looking grill marks.
Safety First: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 74°C (165°F) internal temperature, eliminating risk of foodborne illness.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.